I recently realized how powerful the phrase “thank you” is. Wow, just saying these two words can bring great changes.Yes, I know, it must be honest and authentic.It must be real and true and from the heart.If it isn’t, indeed it loses its power.But when this little phrase is used to communicate an honest appreciation, it has a tremendous power.

For example, thank you is a phrase that speaks grace to others. And others need a word of grace when they have done something nice, or needed, or noble. It is only right to seek to return good with good. When someone opens a door for us, there should be a responsive “thank you.” When someone cooks our food, mops our floor, washes our car, takes out our trash, brews our coffee, pays our salary, teaches our class, pushes our wheel chair, (shall I go on and on?) we need to communicate a word of grace. In a harsh world, a word of grace to each other is so needed. Just take your wife or husband’s hand tonight and tell them how much you appreciate them and watch the power this has on their life. Tell your son or daughter how thankful you are for their life and behold the power this simple word of grace will bring. Watch for ways to say thank you and you will see change occur all around you.

Also, thank you is a phrase that has the power to guard my heart. It sets up a wall around my heart from becoming bitter, arrogant, and self-focused. I do not want to become one of those cranky, touchy, unthankful people. Saying thank you is a heart discipline that protects me from an inner darkness. A life filled with thankfulness overflows with a deep beauty and respected honor. As you read this, have you thought of someone in your life that is noticeably thankful? Are they not a joy to be with? They have a power to bring smiles, raise dignity, and promote peace.

Finally, this thought, communicating thank you glorifies God. Saying thank you is an expression that is in response to something received. And so, when I say thank you to God, I am rightfully acknowledging that all that I have is from God’s good hand of mercy and grace. And how can we say thank you enough for God’s greatest gift, His only Son, Jesus Christ, given that we might be saved from a just judgment due our sin. What a grave injustice I do God when I do not express the simple phrase thank you for all His kindness to me. But when I do remember to say thank you to God, He indeed is glorified.

What a powerful thing it is to say. So lets say it and then say it again. So, thank you, for reading!